In a stunning rebuke to the Democratic Party, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has broken a 30-year tradition by withholding its endorsement from Kamala Harris, signaling a seismic shift in union support that could reshape the 2024 election landscape.
At a Glance
- Teamsters Union declines to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump for president
- Internal polling shows nearly 60% of Teamsters members support Trump, compared to 34% for Harris
- Union cites lack of serious commitments from both candidates to protect workers’ interests
- Decision breaks a nearly 30-year precedent of endorsing Democratic nominees
- Move signals potential realignment of blue-collar support away from the Democratic Party
A Blow to the Democratic Establishment
The Teamsters’ decision to withhold their endorsement from Vice President Kamala Harris marks a significant departure from their long-standing support for Democratic nominees. This move underscores the growing disconnect between traditional labor unions and the increasingly progressive Democratic Party.
The lack of endorsement is particularly damaging to Harris, who has struggled to gain traction with working-class voters despite her attempts to portray herself as a champion of labor rights.
The union’s internal polling reveals a stark reality for Democrats: a substantial majority of Teamsters members favor former President Donald Trump over Harris. This preference among blue-collar workers suggests that the Democratic Party’s embrace of progressive policies may be alienating a critical portion of their traditional base.
There is disagreement among union members about the Teamsters decision to withhold an endorsement.
The head of the union's Black Caucus tells me,
“Any labor leader thinking that Donald Trump is the candidate of choice should turn their union card in."https://t.co/cNO9X6cjQN pic.twitter.com/m9IpWziZT9
— Eva McKend (@evamckend) September 18, 2024
Trump’s Appeal to Working-Class Americans
Despite his sometimes contentious relationship with unions, Trump’s economic policies and America First agenda continue to resonate with many working-class voters. His focus on issues such as trade, immigration, and job creation has struck a chord with Teamsters members who feel left behind by globalization and concerned about the impact of illegal immigration on their livelihoods.
“While the Executive Board of the Teamsters is making no formal endorsement, the vast majority of rank-and-file working men and women in this important organization want President Donald Trump back in the White House,” the Trump campaign said in a statement.
The Trump campaign’s statement highlights the growing divide between union leadership and rank-and-file members. While union bosses may align more closely with Democratic policies, many workers on the ground are finding Trump’s message more appealing. This disconnect could have significant implications for future labor negotiations and political alliances.
The Teamsters’ Demands and Disappointments
Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien cited both candidates’ failure to make serious commitments to the union’s interests as the reason for withholding endorsement. The union sought pledges from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in union campaigns, protect core Teamsters industries, and honor the right to strike. Neither candidate sufficiently met these demands, according to O’Brien.
“Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. “We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries — and to honor our members’ right to strike — but were unable to secure those pledges.”
This statement from O’Brien underscores the union’s frustration with both major political parties and their perceived failure to prioritize workers’ rights over corporate interests. The Teamsters’ decision to withhold endorsement serves as a wake-up call to both Democrats and Republicans that they cannot take union support for granted.
Implications for the 2024 Election
The Teamsters’ decision not to endorse could have far-reaching consequences for the 2024 presidential election. With over 1.3 million members, the union’s support – or lack thereof – could sway tight races in key battleground states. The absence of a Teamsters endorsement may embolden other unions to reassess their traditional allegiances, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
For conservatives, this development represents an opportunity to further erode the Democrats’ grip on union support. By focusing on issues that matter to working-class Americans – such as job creation, fair trade, and border security – Republicans may be able to capitalize on the growing discontent within labor unions and expand their base of support among blue-collar voters.
As the 2024 election approaches, both parties will need to reassess their strategies for appealing to union members. The Teamsters’ decision serves as a stark reminder that no voting bloc can be taken for granted, and that the political allegiances of working-class Americans are increasingly up for grabs.
